The Smart ForTwo’s Safety Features
The Smart Fortwo is equipped with an impressive list of active safety features that will further increase safety on the road.
ABS and EBD - Most cars have Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) today, but Smart takes things one step further by adding Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Control (EBD). With ABS, you can hit your brakes hard knowing the ABS circuitry will apply and release each brake independently to keep you from skidding regardless of the type of road surface each wheel is on. EBD then optimizes the front-to-rear balance of braking to allow you to steer without loss of control.
CBC - When you enter a corner and apply your brakes, the unequal forces at each wheel can result in a skid or a complete “end-around”. With Cornering Brake Control (CBC) your smart fortwo controls the braking force at each wheel to keep you headed where the car is steered.
HSA - The auto/manual transmission of the smart fortwo is equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA) which allows you to pull away on a hill without having to apply the handbrake. As you lift your foot from the brake pedal while sitting stopped on a hill, HSA holds the brakes on for .7 seconds to give you time to move your foot to the accelerator. So don’t worry about driving your smart fortwo in San Francisco.
EBA - Avoiding accidents is often measured in inches. Electronic Brake Assist can sense when you have stepped on the brake quickly but have not applied it hard enough to activate the ABS system. It can be the difference in reaction time you need to avoid an accident.
ESP® — One of the standard features on your Smart Fortwo is something called Electronic Stability Program or ESP®. When the ESP® sensors indicate a skid or swerving of your car, they automatically control the engine throttle and the Anti-Lock brakes to bring the car back under control.
ASC and ETC - Acceleration Skid Control (ASC) allows your smart fortwo to move forward on slippery surfaces. It acts much like a differential lock but does it by selectively braking the wheels that are losing traction. Engine Torque Control (ETC) provides engine control when driving on slippery surfaces. It “feathers” the throttle on low traction acceleration and limits torque in down shifting applications.